Tango began to travel the world with Argentine sailors, although it was only when they reached Paris that it really took off on a global scale – oo la la! Once this happened, the more affluent Argentinean population began embracing the tango culture they had previously rejected – typical. This is said to have had a noticeable impact on the lyrics, transforming them from being so-called distasteful and rude, to poetic and a ‘higher form of art’. Some of the most famous tango singers began to surface at this point, see our lyrics posts for more information on them.
Tango continued to develop and expand right up until 1955 when public gatherings were made impossible due to the military government in Argentina. It wasn’t until 25 years later that the ban was lifted and tango burst back into people’s lives once more, and passed on to the new generations.
Today some of Buenos Aires has flourished in letting its traditional past live on, whereas other parts have been arguably compromised via use of its reputation with tourism. However, many tourists have travelled from far and wide to feel the true tango spirit and experience its roots and to learn tango from the natives, passed down through the generations, and who could blame them? Buenos Aires is the home to such a beautiful and sensual culture.
By Emma Langschied
